Secret to Harvesting Good Fruit

I once watched the news that farmers were facing a serious labor shortage due to COVID-19. Since there are many farming areas in Sangju, the labor shortage is inescapable here, too. Hearing that an elderly couple, who had been growing grapes nearby, too lacked in labor were in desperate need of a helping hand, our church made plans to help them right away. Over twenty members from our church headed for the vineyard, being determined to help and comfort the elderly couple by working with them while complying with the quarantine rules.

We had to prune the shoots that were between the main branches and the leaves throughout the morning for two days. We were told that without pruning the shoots that grow randomly, the nutrient for the fruit gets dispersed, making it impossible to harvest big and high quality grapes. In other words, the branches cannot bear the finest fruit that farmers want, unless we remove the shoots by hand.

Since it was my first time to do that kind of job, I was very clumsy. Fortunately, as time passed by, I became used to it and could speed up gradually. We encouraged one another, pulling ourselves up when we were getting tired. Thanks to the good weather—the clouds covering the sunlight and the cool breeze blowing from time to time, we were relieved from the heat wave which had continued for a couple of days. While working hard, I saw smiles on the faces of the elderly. It was so rewarding, and I could feel the true joy of sharing love.

Since I had gone abroad for seven years, I participated in volunteer service work in Korea after a long time. It was tough, but I felt like my mind became enriched, just as the spring rain wets the dry land. Moreover, if there are unnecessary shoots in my mind, I will remove them and fill my heart with a nutrient called love. Then I will be able to bear a handful of good fruit of the gospel sooner or later.